Joining groups and sharing hobbies is a better way to make friends, students say
A new study for Freshers’ Week 2025 shows the traditional first year experience of all-nighters and night clubs is starting to lose its shine – as nearly two thirds of new university students would choose a group activity or hobby over a night out as a way to meet new people.
When first years were asked what they are most looking forward to about starting university, just under half said making friends, and 46% said finding new communities and meeting new people; both ranking above exploring the local nightlife.
With 58% of students saying they would be most interested in sports clubs and fitness activities like run clubs as a way to socialise and chat with friends, Snapchat is launching Snap Run Stars – a first of its kind Freshers Club in partnership with running influencer Savannah Sachdev to support students in creating real-life friendships and community.
Designed to bring students together through a shared love of running and making real mates, the inaugural run clubs will take place in two of the UK’s biggest university cities, London and Manchester, across the 8 and 9 of October.
Savannah said: “Starting university is such an exciting time, but finding your people can feel overwhelming. For me, keeping up my passion for movement during uni helped me so much, because I realised how social sports could be. I didn’t get involved to be “good” , I just showed up to have fun! Having a chat with mates or meeting new people through sport, whether that is running or another form of movement, became a massive part of my uni life, and still is today. This is exactly what we’re aiming to foster with Snap Run Stars, supporting freshers in making friends in a chilled, low-pressure setting. It’s about connection, good vibes, and finding people who are into the same stuff as you. Who knows, you might just meet your bestie.”
Snap Run Stars run clubs take place in London’s Battersea Park on Wednesday 8 October, and in Mayfield Park, Manchester on Thursday 9thctober. Tickets are free and available via Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/snapchat-115947634501
